HT202076: Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)

Learn about Wi-Fi base stations: Setting up and configuring a Wireless Distribution System (802.11b/g)
JSFapple

Q: The "Note" about using the same network name

The "Note" about using the same network name for all of the base stations should be included in the setup steps, rather than as a footnote.

 

Also, it would be helpful to mention what is a good naming convention for each relay or remote wifi station.

Airport Express, iOS 6.0.2

Posted on May 3, 2013 5:47 PM

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Q: The "Note" about using the same network name

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  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt May 4, 2013 8:46 PM in response to JSFapple
    Level 8 (49,797 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 4, 2013 8:46 PM in response to JSFapple

    The network name will be identical automatically, as long as you follow the steps in the order provided. A WDS cannot function any other way. The "additional information" is provided in the event you choose to configure the WDS manually. The requirements for identical wireless channels and security are just as important.


    The base station names are arbitrary and have no effect on your network's operation. Choose names that make sense to you - "main base station", "relay base station", etc.

     

    I assume you understand that configuring a WDS involves horrible compromises and should be considered only if you are using 802.11b/g-only AirPort Base Stations - older than six years old or so - and a "roaming network" is not an option either.

  • by JSFapple,

    JSFapple JSFapple May 30, 2013 2:55 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 30, 2013 2:55 PM in response to John Galt

    After setting it up and realizing how bad it was, I ended up getting an Airport Extreme as well as a 50 foot-long ethernet cord (taking no chances!). The wifi download speeds are 3-times greater with the Extreme now (from ~4-5 mbps to ~15 mbps) between opposite ends of my apartment and of course the ethernet helps. I should've gone for the Extreme a long time ago.

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt May 30, 2013 4:32 PM in response to JSFapple
    Level 8 (49,797 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 30, 2013 4:32 PM in response to JSFapple

    Great!

     

    Apple probably wishes WDS never existed in the first place. It works, but its effect on performance is not worth the effort.